Exploring the Perceptions of Indian Mental Health Professionals Regarding Areca (Betel) Nut Products: A Cross-sectional Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Areca nut (AN) and AN products (ANPs) are commonly used as psychoactive substances with marked dependence potential. Scant information exists on the Indian mental health professionals' (MHPs) knowledge of AN-ANPs, attitude toward AN-ANP use/users, and behavior regarding their clients' AN-ANP use. To address this gap, a survey was undertaken to assess MHPs' knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral responses toward AN-ANP use and addiction.

Methods

We developed a pretested, customized questionnaire and conducted a cross-sectional online survey among a random sample of MHPs.

Results

The 209 respondents included 91 psychiatrists, 105 clinical psychologists, and 13 other MHPs from diverse settings. Among them, 46.89% believed that AN-ANP use does not fit the definit

SUBMITTER: Mohandoss AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11572559 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature